The NatureSpot Photo of the Month for March is this series of images of Thelaira solivago by NatureSpot contributor Dylan. More...

Tachinid flies are an important natural pest control. They are parasitoids and their larvae develop inside other insects. Thelaira solivago is a large fly up to 12mm in length. The males are quite striking, featuring bright orange sides on the abdomen with a bold, dark stripe running down the center, females generally lack this orange colouration. Although this species is found across Europe and Asia, extending into parts of Russia and China, it is uncommon in the UK and rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. By documenting the life cycle of this fly from an infected hairy moth caterpillar to the adult fly Dylan has generated the first VC55 record for this species. 

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